The right way into work From job hunting to interview. Hints and tips for getting it right first time.
Give hope. Help cope. tenovuscancercare.org.uk
Introduction This booklet has been written for anyone who’s looking to build on their job application and interviewing skills. You may be someone who is new to the job market altogether or a candidate who has experience but wants to brush up on your skills. Perhaps you’ve had time away from the world of work for all sorts of reasons or are facing the daunting prospect of redundancy after a while in the same job. Maybe you’ve been trying hard but not had much luck in getting a job and feel stuck in a rut. Whatever the reason is there’s something that everyone can take away from this read. It may help to boost your confidence, iron out any wrinkles in your CV or take you a step forward in being a star candidate at interview. There are lots of practical tips as well as some advice from professionals in the world of recruitment you can dip into. So, grab a cuppa, enjoy the read and we wish you every success on the road to your next job.
Contents Page 3 - 5
First time job hunting - Blog
Page 7
CV’s and application forms
Page 8
CV examples
Page 9 - 10 Page 13
Be interview ready
Empower yourself
Page 14 - 16
Shine like a star at your interview
Page 17 - 18
Tests and assessments
Page 19 - 20
Doing it digitally
Page 21
Do you have any questions for us?
Page 22
Candidate checklist
Page 24
The right way to be seen and heard
Page 25 - 26
Bouncing back
Page 27 - 30
Recruitment expert spotlight
Page 31 - 32
Make volunteering work for you
Page 33
Employability through studying
Page 35 - 36
Cancer and work
First time job hunting Here’s a brilliant piece by Nadine Lock, Tenovus Cancer Care’s People Officer, which was published as a blog on ’The HR Talking Hub’. I’ve worked in Human Resources for over ten years in the Third Sector and Private Sector and love everything about my job. I love working with people and organisations to help them be the best that they can and empower people along the way. Why do I love what I do? Well I guess it’s because I like to help people to solve problems, ask questions to find out why and how and be in a position to really help make a positive difference. Our work life is a massive part of us all and it affects all aspects of our lives. So if I can help make people feel happier, more confident and in control and successful at work, then I consider myself lucky. I love interacting with people and working with them to make good choices and open up opportunities. I also volunteer as a Trustee for a community charity and mentor young people. I really do try to make a positive difference and help people. I’m an HR generalist, altruist, passionate about treating people fairly and making our workplaces great ones!
It’s all about the image First impressions count no matter what type of work you’re looking for! It’s all about how you present yourself in person, on the phone, on paper and social media. Employers can form their first impression of you really quickly so make the most of how you come across. If you’re popping in somewhere to ask about work or going for an interview, dress and speak the part. Try not to wear too much makeup, no slang and wear tidy and appropriate clothes for the job. You don’t have to always buy something new, but bear in mind that you want to present yourself as someone worth hiring. If you’re calling about a job think about what you want to say first. Smile as you speak - you’ll be surprised what a difference it makes to how you come across! Take a deep breath and try not to speak too fast. You may be a bit nervous, so why not practice in front of a mirror or with someone else first? Get it down on paper and sell yourself. You’ll need a CV to apply for jobs a lot of the time. This tells employers what your skills and experience are and how they match up to what they’re looking for. There’s lots of templates in this booklet and online to get you started and your school or college will be able to help you too. The trick is to think about how other people see you - they haven’t got to know you yet and so the question to ask is would you give yourself a job based on what you’re putting out there? 3
Social media Employers these days are getting social media savvy. Your online image is often just as important as how you come across in person. Are your Facebook settings public or private? Some employers will check out your social media profiles, so you don’t want anything too unprofessional to show up here. If you’re sending a CV by email what does your email address say about you? Do you need to set up an email account just for job hunting instead of the cute one you set up years ago? If there’s a particular company you really want to get some experience with why not follow them on Twitter or LinkedIn? That way you’ll be able to regularly keep up with what they’re up to and it’ll stand you in good stead at interview. It’s also worth signing up to alerts from job boards and recruiters and regularly checking out company websites. That way you’ll know as soon as jobs near you come up. The world of recruitment is really fast-paced and time waits for no one, so you need to be able to move quickly to be in with a shot.
Get involved! Nothing beats pounding the pavements and getting yourself out there. Also let your family and friends know you’re available for work so they can help spread the word or help you out with a work placement. Pop into your local recruitment agency and job centre, as well as keeping an eye out on social media too. While you’re getting involved why not try something different, make new friends and give something back to your community to help you in your job search. Volunteering is a great CV booster and a way to show potential employers that you’d be a good hire. It’s a great way to channel your passions and do some good and we all want to do something we love right? You might even discover new skills you didn’t know you had before. And, if you do a good job they may even snap you up for paid work! These days employers are looking for well-rounded people to recruit, which can mean more than grades alone. It’s competitive and you need to be the best candidate you can be. That means they want to hire people who’ve got transferable and interpersonal skills. Employers really want people whose values and the way they think and behave match their own.
Do the right thing Yes you want a job. Yes you want the cash. But, you’ll be giving up a lot of your time to work. So, why not do something you enjoy, are good at and look at temporary or part time jobs or unpaid work as well as something long term? If you’re really sociable and chatty you might enjoy retail, tele-sales and customer service jobs. If you’re more practical and like the outdoors have you thought about car washing, gardening or dog-walking? If you’re sporty you could look into lifeguarding. Do you want to work with animals or children in the future? Why not think about working at a vet clinic, animal shelter or working at a play scheme to link to your career interests? There’s a lot of choice out there and it can be really confusing. It’s best to think about what you love and what types of jobs suit your skills and go from there. You’re going to learn new things, build on what you can do and meet different people to help you move on. At the end of the day it’s all experience and that counts for a lot.
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Get real Often we hear phrases like ‘climbing the ropes’ and ‘moving up the career ladder’. What this tells us is that realistically you’ll need to start at the bottom. It might not be the most exciting thing in the world, but see it as an opportunity and grab everything that comes your way with both hands. You’ll be working with people who’ve got a lot more experience and have already learnt the ropes. Learn from them where possible and see if there are opportunities to job shadow them or ask if they can mentor you. You might not be earning mega bucks now but it’s a foot in the door and a way of seeing what roles you’re best suited to and what type of companies you want to work for. It’s not often we walk into our dream job straight away but the people around you are important in getting you there. You never know when your paths might cross in the future and these are small steps to your future. Hang on in there Landing your first real job is exciting and a little bit scary but you’ll learn loads and make some cash. It might not be the job you eventually end up in, but you’ll find out what you really like and what you really don’t like. My first job was working in a bakery - thankfully Facebook and Snapchat wasn’t around in those days to share my humiliation of having to wear a Victorian baker’s outfit every day of my summer holidays. It was hot, customers took having a perfect loaf of bread very seriously and my feet hurt from standing all day long. But, I had my own cash to spend, customer service experience on my CV and a good reference for when I moved on. Plus, not many people can say they met Richard Branson in a supermarket aisle!
Just a final bit of advice from me - you need to keep on going and you’ll get there in the end. You will get knock backs but that’s just part of life. You just have to chalk it up to experience, think what that’s taught you and what you’ll do differently the next time around. But, whatever you do I’ve always found that manners and persistence go a long way.
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CV’s and job applications Top Tips •
Always spell check and double check everything before you send off your application
•
Use the space on the paper wisely and use bullet points rather than writing chunky text
•
Keep a CV to 2 sides or less of an A4 page
•
Think about your font or handwriting. The font arial in size 11 is a good call
•
Include referee details where asked but don’t use up this valuable space on the page up on your CV when you could better use it to sell your skills and experience
•
Include up-to- date contact details so potential employers can get in touch easily
•
Follow the instructions – if you’re asked to fill in an application in black ink or UPPER CASE this shows you can follow directions
•
Set up a jobs email account and an appropriate and professional email address
•
Keep your job application and CV jargon-free
•
Use only up to 6 bullet points to give an overview of your main activities and achievements in a role
•
Don’t include a photo
•
Keep your CV factually accurate. Check employment dates, grades and achievements are right
•
Cross check your CV or application form with the Job Description and Person Specification to make sure you’re a match
•
Use key words or skills you have from the Job Description in your CV or application to mirror what the recruiter is looking for
Where do I begin with putting a CV or application together? This is your chance to shine on paper. It’s the way you’ll sell your skills and experience, bag yourself the interview and get one step closer to getting the job. Promote your achievements and don’t be shy because recruiters aren’t mind readers. They’re looking for the best-matched person for the job and someone who will add value to their organisation. For candidates new to the world of work show you’ve got energy, ambition and lots to bring. Focus on educational qualifications and key abilities. Include any voluntary work or part time work plus transferable skills you can bring to the role. Team sports, academic awards and hobbies show your motivation too. If you’re an experienced candidate you want to show off every detail of where you’ve been, what you’ve accomplished, and learned along the way. Hone your CV to lead the way along your career path and let employers know that they can trust you when the pressure’s on.
On the next page you’ll find a couple of example CV’s to help get you on your way!
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Eduardo Gonzalez
et, Someton EG55 6LB Address: 25 High Stre Tel: 07655 55695 lez2001@hotmail.com Email: EduardoGonza
ary
Professional Summ
achievements. ic and extra-curricular hard-work and academ of sation. ord ani rec org k e trac larg a a h in A graduate wit part of a team in customer services as Looking for an entry role
Core Qualifications hospitality. NVQ Level II in retail and
Experience and Skills
nteering and team through education, volu m building skills gained tea and nal rso rpe inte Computer, sports. 2019 - present Retail Volunteer 14/05/ Tenovus Cancer Care • ICT in r Yea the of t Awarded 2020 Studen • rd Press) Mental Health Blog (Wo • team key hoc ool sch of Captain •
Education
, English (B), Maths (C) dies (A), Sociology (B) A Level: Business Stu lish Eng & hs Mat ng GCSE: 9 passes includi
Annie Other
Professional Summary
3 The Avenue, Someton EG57 8PW
07992 101 354 Annie.Other_1412@gmail.co .uk
Accomplished Operations Manager with a successful track record in leading remote sales teams.
Skills • Process Improvement and Project Management experience • HR, training and strateg ic process delivery • Multi-million pound P&L experience for Wales region
Work History (most recent
first)
District Manager, OTX Tec hnical March 3rd 2014 to presen t • • • •
Led on recruitment, trainin g and staff development of a sales team of over 100 Cultivated strong business people relationships to drive bus iness development Managed five remote wor k sites and reduced staff turnover by 12% Analysed and prepared sale s reports and strategy pla ns to presented at Board level
Education • MBA, Dates and univer sity • First Class Honours deg ree in Biochemistry • PRINCE2
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Interviews This is your time to shine and show you’re the best candidate. You sold yourself on paper and the interviewer wants to see if you’d be a good fit for the role and the company. So, you need to put yourself across as professional. This starts before you walk into the building, pick up the phone call or log onto the virtual interview room. These days’ interviews happen in lots of different ways. So, we’ve included tips to handle interviews face to face, on the phone as well as virtually. Here’s some handy hints to help you stand out from the crowd in the interview process.
Take a good look at the organisation You’ll probably be asked about what you know about the organisation. So, it’s in your favour to show you follow them on social media, say what you like about their website or their values and you’ve got an idea about what they do or have heard good things about them. Plus you want to know a bit about where you could be working right to see if you can see yourself working there?
Know your stuff Get familiar with your CV because you’re going to be asked about it. If you listed cookery as a hobby you might be asked to talk about this. Read through the Job Description again so you can think about highlights from your own CV that shows you’re the best fit. Be prepared to talk about facts and figures you’ve included. If you’ve said you’re a top seller take along a league table to show and have positive reasons why you’re looking to move jobs or why you left previous roles rather than bad mouth.
Know where you’re going There’s nothing worse than turning up to the bus stop or train station to find you hadn’t planned your journey well and you’re going to be late. Plan your route days before and do a test run. You should think about getting an earlier bus or train just in case there are unexpected delays. Take the contact details of your interviewer with you so you can let them know if something happens on the way. Give yourself 15 minutes to arrive before your interview time. This will give you time to compose yourself and make sure you’re looking polished and professional. Always have your interview details with you so you know who you’re meeting, when and where. Take a look at our guide for handling an online interview on this topic as well.
First Impressions Count People make judgements quickly in interviews and so if you’re looking shoddy it will be a reflection on how people will think about your work ethic and attitude. Remember you’re a professional, competent person selling yourself as the right hire so make a good first impression. You want the interviewer to think you’re: Organised Professional Approachable Presentable Serious about the job
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Drop any slang words and make sure you’re not over-familiar with the interviewer. Manners will take you a long way so always remember your please and thank you’s. Your interview starts as soon as you arrive at the building so be pleasant and polite to everyone you meet. Dress for the job you want and choose smart over casual every time. Make sure your clothes are clean and ironed and you’ve got breath mints with you. Makeup and jewellery should be minimal, hair groomed and clothes not too revealing. Take a spare pair of tights, tissues, compact mirror and comb and never chew gum. Always have a smart ‘interview’ bag ready to keep your belongings in. This will mean you’ll have a free hand for a handshake rather than being bogged down in clutter. Keep a copy of your CV, pen and paper in your bag and any necessary copies of references or qualifications or identity documents you may be asked to bring along. If you’ve got your mobile phone with you make sure it’s switched to silent so you don’t have any embarrassing interruptions.
Be Prepared Remember this is a chance for you to see if the job and organisation are right for you. That means you should have lots of questions that show you’re genuinely interested in the opportunity. Steer clear of questions around salaries and days off. Instead ask about things such as: training opportunities what the team is like what you can expect in a typical day how your performance will be measured and reviewed where the company is headed in the next couple of years what the interviewer really likes about working for the organisation
Shine like a star Practice makes perfect and interviewing is a skill to be leant. Read on for useful interview techniques you can practice with friends and family to build your confidence and help you do well.
Getting over a knock back If it wasn’t your day and you missed out on a job offer don’t be discouraged. It’s hard when you get knocked back but you’ll get there. Plus it was great opportunity to try out your interview skills in a reallife scenario and learn from any mistakes. If you haven’t heard anything chase it up but always send a polite email thanking the interviewer for their time and ask for feedback to help you for the next interview. Evaluate your own performance after the interview as well. Note down some of the questions asked and have another go at home in case they come up in future interviews. Now think about what you have gained from the experience. Have you conquered any interview fears? Maybe you navigated your way to a new place or travelled on a train alone for the first time? Perhaps you’re proud that you got a handle on your nerves in meeting new people? It helps to think that maybe this isn’t a knock back after all, but a push forward to you getting the right role for you.
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Do your research
Practice Dress appropriately Prepare for common interview questions
Be on time
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Know your CV Be aware of your body language
Selling yourself right
Listen, don’t interrupt Ask questions
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Empower yourself Its nerve-wracking going for an interview isn’t it? Even those who’ve had lots of interviews can understandably feel nervous. Stand tall and remind yourself you’ve got something to offer and you’re a worthy candidate. Remember writing up your CV or your application form and all of the skills and experience you have. Someone has seen something in you already from this; they’re looking forward to meeting you and want to be able to give you the job. Wherever you’re coming from we wouldn’t be human if we didn’t sometimes have the collywobbles or needed a hand in feeling confident. So, here’s some tips to help you get a handle on this and settle those butterflies in your tummy.
Body Talks Practice your positive body language and professional handshake. This means a firm handshake rather than a limp one. Keep good eye contact going during your interview but also show you’re listening with a nod here or there and smile rather than a hard stare. You want to be seen as open and approachable so make sure you’re not sitting with your arms crossed. Put both feet on the ground and your hands loosely in your lap and rather than jiggle your legs and feet about with nervous energy. Pick out a couple of these things to help you keep on top of how your body language is talking in our interview •
Sit all the way back in your seat
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Don’t go for direct eye contact but look at different parts of the face every few seconds
•
Use hand gestures while speaking but not too flamboyant and distracting
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Show your palms at times because it will engage the interviewer and show your honesty
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Plant your feet on the ground
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Work on your walk – shoulders back, head up and walk with purpose
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Breathe deeply, and speak on the exhale to control getting your words out rather than rush
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Nod your head while listening
•
Lean in slightly to show you’re listening
If you’re really struggling with nerves practice slow and measured breathing techniques to relax you in the waiting room. It’ll reduce your heart rate, release stress hormones and lower your blood pressure. You can also practice the superhero pose in the toilets beforehand to help you feel more confident or have some positive mantras of encouragement to run through in your mind. If you’re on a video interview you can still practice a lot of these things to help you keep control during your interview. If you’re having a phone interview it could benefit you to walk around a bit during the call as it sharpen your answers. We’ve got some useful info on video interviews coming up. 13
Shine at your Interview In simple terms an interview is a structured conversation based around questions and answers. It can happen face to face, over the phone or via video. The end goal is to find the right match between an employer and someone looking for a new role. It’s to see if both are on the same page and there’s potential for a great working relationship. An interview is a chance for the employer to meet YOU - the person behind the CV. They’re looking to see if you match their values and would represent their organisation well. Plus they want to see if you’d fit into their team and do a good job with the right attitude. They’re deciding if you’re a good investment of their time and money in hiring and training you. So, you’re a step closer if you’ve bagged the interview to getting the job you want. The interview might be a really scary prospect for some although others may relish the pressure. But, whichever way you look at it you want to get a YES at the end of the day and nail the interview. To give yourself the best chance of hitting the mark you can brush up on your interview technique. Remember that the questions aren’t only there to make sure you’re fairly interviewed against other candidates but to give you the chance to shine and show off your skills and experience too. Don’t forget that you’re competing against other candidates for the top spot. It means you have to give a well-rounded answer to the actual question you’re asked to score well. So, think about what exactly you’re being asked about rather than jump in and make sure your answer counts. Typically you can expect a lot of skills-based questions in your interview; otherwise known as a competency-based interview. It’s where you’d be asked to give specific examples of how you’ve practically done things before to show you match the requirements of the role. This is so an employer can easily picture how well you’d fit the role, their organisation and work with other people. For example, if a skill for the role such as customer service was important enough to be listed as an essential skill or experience on the Person Specification it makes sense you’ll be asked to talk about that in more detail at the interview right?
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So it goes like this. Typical customer service questions you might be asked could be to: •
“Describe a time when you gave excellent customer service”
•
“Tell me about a customer complaint you managed well”
•
“Talk me through a situation when you had to explain complicated information to a customer”.
What the interviewer is looking for you to do is talk about a real-life situation so they can see how you’d work and behave in this role and in their team. They want to be able to picture things like how you go about processing your thoughts and doing things, the way you handle and resolve problems under pressure and deliver quality work. So, your job here is to paint them a detailed picture of what you did, how, and why when talking through your example. While you can’t predict every question that could come your way you can certainly boost your confidence in preparing stock examples for skills or experience that’ll probably come up. You can do this by looking through the Person Specification and the Job Description to identify what’s essential in the role. This should give you an idea of what the most likely question topics on your skills and experience might be. In the heat of an interview it’s easy to stray off the question topic and not really answer the question that was actually put your way. This won’t get you the scores you need though. But, to help keep you on track there’s a handy technique you can learn, think about and practice beforehand.
It’s called the STAR technique. It’s as easy as making a cake and will help you get loads of ticks in boxes and boost your competency-based interview score! Here’s the recipe for success to help you shine. Listen to the question and take a moment to think about an event or situation you can talk about.
SITUATION
TASK
Describe the event or situation you were in.
Explain the task you had to complete.
It’s Lucy’s birthday tomorrow... What shall we do??? OOOH shall I bake a cake?
Brilliant!!! x
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ACTION
RESULT
Describe the specific actions you took to complete the task. What you did and how you did it.
End with the results of your efforts. What was the outcome and impact.
As we’ve already mentioned customer service as an essential skill or experience that could come up here is an example of this competency in action using the STAR technique: QUESTION “Tell me about a customer complaint you managed well”
SITUATION (what’s it all about): “A customer called and complained that they’d waited two weeks for a call back about an undelivered item they’d been charged for.”
TASK (what you needed to do about it): “I needed to address the customer’s complaint straightaway and find out what went wrong in our normal customer service and delivery processes.”
ACTION (what you actually did, how and why): “I firstly introduced myself, apologised and let the customer know I would take responsibility in sorting the matter out as quickly as possible. I referenced our Complaints Process, checked the customer’s details and explained what my next actions were going to be. I knew the complaint had to be resolved quickly and the customer kept in communication with on progress. I let them know I passed their complaint to our Warehouse Manager, who contacted the client within the hour. I investigated why things went wrong. I discovered that it was a combination of a wrong mobile number and an incorrect delivery address that weren’t checked. I let the customer know what happened after checking the item was reposted and we offered a goodwill discount on the customer’s next order.”
RESULT (what happened because of your actions in the end): “The customer made a further purchase using the goodwill discount and posted a positive customer service review online.” Now that you know the science and some steps for success, have a go yourself at putting the STAR technique into practice. Here are some typical interview skills and experience topics you could practice to help you shine:
Teamwork Communication Problem solving
Top Tips The Action you took should be the most detailed part of your answer for higher marks. (This is where you add the colour for the interviewer to be able to picture you in their team and doing the job). Listen to the question you’ve been asked and take a moment to process it so you don’t lose marks by going off track. If you’re not sure what the question is all about don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer to clarify or reword it for you. 16
Candidate Assessments Always ask what type of assessment or interview you can expect as part of your interview preparation. Lots of employers may include some form of a test, presentation or an assessment centre to find the best talent out there as well as carry out a competency-based interview. It helps employers score candidates to make sure they are hiring the best talent out there.
Practical Assessments You might be asked to complete a psychometric assessment either on the computer or on paper. This looks at your attitudes, behaviours and thought processes so employers can assess how you’d fit and approach doing the job so there really isn’t a wrong or right answer with this one. Sometimes an employer will carry out some practical skills testing on a computer as part of their selection process. This may be to see how your judgement, accuracy and decision-making skills work or how your skills for the role fit. Have a look around the internet to see if there are any practice papers you could have a go with to get used to the format. The type of testing you may encounter depends on what type of job you’re going for really. If you’re going for a data entry role you may be tested on quickly and accurately inputting data, if it’s an admin role you may have to work with a spreadsheet or database or type up a letter.
Presentations You may be asked to present information to the panel in your interview. If you have advance notice take a loaded up memory stick and give a hard copy to each panel member. Check what equipment is available on the day rather than assume there’s a whiteboard, marker pens, laptop, speakers or flipchart available. Follow the brief you’re given, stick to time limits, and don’t steer off-topic or overload on the detail. Less is sometimes more on the page of a PowerPoint presentation or flipchart. Think positive body language. Think of the tone and pace of your voice. Allow time for questions at the end and practice.
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Assessment Centres Typically this will involve a group of people going for either one or a number of different jobs. You’re always being assessed from the time you arrive and even in a coffee break. Assessors will be looking to see how you interact with people and your interpersonal skills need to stand out. You may have a group discussion or practical activity to do in an assessment centre. It’s just as important to step back and listen as much as it is to come forward and speak up. Make sure you pay attention to the people around you; repeat their suggestions or views to show you’ve taken them on board. Use positive body language and encourage others to participate and take on board your ideas. Take the time to check for understanding and you’ve got the group’s buy-in. This shows you can negotiate and work with others to get the most workable solution in solving a problem. A role play may come up too. Don’t worry about this as your acting skills aren’t being tested. If the role is in a call centre you may be asked to demonstrate practically how you’d answer the customer call, take any important details and possibly handle a question or complaint. Again it’s the way or approach to handling something that’s being assessed.
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Doing it digitally More and more recruiters are using technology during their interview process. Here’s some handy hints to make sure you don’t fall at this hurdle. How can I make it a success? Test your IT equipment and make sure it is fully charged up well in advance. The last thing you want to do is have to plug in the laptop when you’re halfway through your interview. Check you’ve downloaded the right app you need and make sure your internet connection and speed is ok for what you need. Practice your interview using the equipment to test your microphone and how you come across on screen. You can get better and better in answering interview questions with every practice plus it’ll help you feel more comfortable and natural in front of the camera. Don’t be late! Make sure you’re a minute or two early rather than keep your interviewer waiting.
Can I use notes in a video interview? You certainly can have handy tips nearby! It’s best to use them to help you answer any difficult questions or remember specific facts about the role or company. Just do it subtly though and be careful not to shield your face from the camera’s view. Your notes are a prompt rather than something to read aloud though so don’t get distracted by having too many words on the page, bullet points will be less distracting for you
How do I approach a video interview? Just as you would handle an in person interview so there really isn’t a lot of difference here. It’s all in the preparation and practice.
How should I present myself in a video interview? You want to come across as professional so look professional. Dress for success no matter what and wear what you would if you were being interviewed in person. Although you’ll likely be seated be mindful of your whole outfit. If you look the part it’ll help you to feel the part too. Take time to make sure your hair and makeup is tidy and presentable, your clothes are modest and don’t overdo it on flashy or heavy jewellery. Try not to move around the screen and fidget. Keep your chair still rather than swing it side to side. You can use hand gestures to elaborate on the things you say but don’t let your gestures get too over the top so they speak for themselves. You’ll need to work that little bit harder to build rapport with your interviewer as you’ll miss the allimportant handshake here. Be aware of your facial expressions – show interest by nodding here and there and don’t forget to smile and look at the camera rather than the interviewer directly.
What do I need to look out for? Frame yourself. Set up the camera and adjust our seat to make sure you’re well in shot. Your whole head and to just below your shoulders should fit the screen nicely. Sit face on to the camera as well to properly engage with your interviewer. Check your lighting is adjusted so you can be seen ok. You don’t want to be a shadow on the screen with all the daylight behind you for example. What can the interviewer see in your background? Clear away any mess and clutter. Ideally set up your equipment so you are sat in front of a plain wall or background.
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Download any apps you need and charge up your IT equipment
Body language is still important, so look at the camera, smile, try not to fidget or hide your face
Know how to use the technology, and practice beforehand
Find a place that is quiet and has good internet connection
Tips
for acing a remote interview!
A plain, uncluttered background looks neat, and remember to check your lighting
Have everything on hand you need for the interview
Dress as if you were going for an interview in person
Do not disturb
Ask household members to not disturb you, and if possible not to use Wi-Fi while you are being interviewed. Remove pets from the room and remember to switch off your phone.
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Do you have any questions you’d like to ask us? It’s that time at the end of the interview where we can get a little tongue-tied. You’re on the home stretch and your interview is winding up. You might have had a load of questions you’d thought about but they seem to have been answered already. But, you get asked if you have any questions and your heart lurches. What can I ask? I have to say something or they won’t think I’m serious?
So, take a breath. Here’s some safety net questions that sound good and will leave the impression that you’re super keen on any interviewer... 1)
What are the first priorities of this job?
2)
What do you expect me to accomplish in the first 6 months in the role?
3)
How is performance typically measured and reviewed and feedback given?
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How do you see my skills and experience fitting with the needs of the company?
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What have past team members done to succeed in this position?
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What are some of the big projects the team have completed in the last few months?
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What are the opportunities to develop here?
8)
What do you most enjoy about working here?
9)
How would you describe the work environment and culture here?
10)
What are the company’s main focus and challenge at the moment?
End on a good note A great way to close your interview and leave a great lasting impression is to make people remember you as a polite, positive professional with enthusiasm and a good attitude. Say something like…
I’ve looked at the company’s website and social media pages and was really excited about the interview today. I’ve learned a lot, and today’s been really positive for me. I feel I can really add value in this job and would love to work here. Is there anything else about me that you’d like me to clarify?
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Candidate Checklist Checked my application for spelling mistakes and I’ve followed the instructions Checked through my CV and the Job Description to focus on key words Reviewed previous feedback and acted on the advice Looked up where I’m going and planned how to get there on time Done my research on the company with something good to say about them Got my interview outfit and bag ready Practised getting a handle on my nerves Practised the STAR technique Prepared some questions I want to ask at the interview Thought about my body language Checked any IT equipment I’ll need for my interview Prepared answers about why I want the job and want to work for the company Prepared positive answers on why I left previous jobs
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The right way to be seen and heard Now you’ve read up on getting interview ready here’s a brief summary to keep you on track Pre interview Get familiar with the company and check out your interviewer’s profile on LinkedIn. Have a copy of your CV to hand whether you’re being interviewed face to face or virtually. Wear a watch and turn your mobile phone OFF. It’s not good enough to put it on vibrate either. Be early! It’s important to think ahead about things such as potential traffic or journey issues or making sure any IT equipment you need is fully charged and set up ready. Don’t stress about tests or presentations as its only one part of an interview. Check in the mirror and ask yourself if you look professional and interview ready.
In the interview Make that first impression count: Walk, talk and look the part. Confidence over arrogance. Keep good eye contact, be polite, professional and smile Get ready to pitch yourself: Have your relevant skills for the job ready to highlight, be ready to say why this is the right job and place for you to add value. The interviewer is checking your communication skills and how you present yourself. Use positive thoughts and language: Don’t bad mouth anyone and show yourself in a positive light. So, you might have found working to deadlines hard in the beginning but after setting up a work planner and reminders on your calendar you overcame this and meet deadlines on time. Skills shine: Focus on skills that give you great grounding such as team work, communication and problem solving as well as resilience to show you can fit in. Paint a picture: Tell your story with clear and detailed examples of real situations that put your skills into action. Say it well: Give more than a one word answer and never say you don’t know. Ask to come back to the question later if all else fails. Have questions to ask at the end. Ask about training, the focus in the next six months or why the interviewer likes working there. Why not ask, if you’ve answered all the questions in enough detail to show you’re a serious candidate?
Post interview Send a thank you follow up email on the day of your interview. If you accept a job offer keep up good communication, and send information you’re asked for quickly. If you didn’t make it this time seek out feedback for next time around. If you liked the company see how you can keep in touch and find out about future opportunities to get ahead. Hold off on the social media. Be professional even if things didn’t go so well and get in touch personally with feedback if necessary. 24
Bouncing Back Job hunting and getting a foot in the door can be really tough work. The knock-backs and rejections may even start to get us down, chip away at our confidence and make us want to throw in the towel. So, we’ve asked a professional for some help with some practical advice in how we can bounce back when things don’t go our way to be more resilient in the job’s market. Based in Cardiff I’ve worked across several sectors including Commercial IT, Media, Third and the Creative and Cultural Industries. Based in Cardiff, I’m currently working as the Senior Programme Manager for the charity, Uprising where we develop the leaders of tomorrow.
Adam Williams Senior Programme Manager, Uprising uprising.org.uk
Uprising is a national youth leadership development organisation working with 18-25 year olds across England and Wales. We’re recognised at Government-level as a pioneering charity championing the critical issues surrounding diversity, social mobility and equality so resilience is something we recognise as a really important thing for people to develop. You’re on the job hunt. You’ve tailored your C.V. and written a slick cover letter but for some reason, you just can’t seem to make it across the finish line and get the job. Sometimes you hear nothing at all. Sometimes you get a politely written rejection auto email. Sometimes you get shortlisted, then interviewed, but still, you’re not getting a foot in the door. After all the research, writing and preparation, the whole process starts to feel like a fruitless endeavour. Your confidence diminishes and a sense of disillusionment sinks in. Sound familiar? You’re not alone - we’ve all been there, and may well be there again in the future. It’s okay to feel disappointed when we don’t get the news we were hoping for. The key is to use the energy of that experience to refocus on your goals. So, how do we do this and keep our spirits raised to keep going? We have to be resilient! We hear that word, resilient, mentioned a lot, but what does it mean to put it into practice? For me, it’s about a mindset, and below I’ll lay out some things you can do to foster a mindset of resilience that will help you through the process and motivate yourself during the challenging times. You hear this all the time, but ask for feedback when you’ve been unsuccessful at the interview stage. Ask for specific feedback that you can use and build upon. For example, if the feedback states that you lacked a specific skill they were looking for, seek out ways of learning more about that skill. There are lots of online short courses you can take to improve your knowledge and awareness of workplace skills.
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Futurelearn is an excellent place to start and although it’s not accredited, and doesn’t provide you with practical experience, if the subject comes up in your next interview you will feel more informed and confident in talking about it. Show your potential employer that you have a learning mind-set and that you put effort into your personal and professional development. Furthermore, completing courses will give you a sense of achievement, will help counter the negative feelings and help build your confidence back up. It’s important to get into a routine. Set out a timetable for your job search but break up the day with other things. Mental and physical wellbeing is paramount during this time so find time to schedule in activities that you enjoy. If you’re already working or studying, it’s still important to have a routine but be mindful of trying to do too much. Getting a routine, setting deadlines and milestones, and being organised will help you focus your energy in the right place at the right time. Seek out networking opportunities and support groups. Engaging and conversing with peers in a similar situation, or with those that can offer advice and guidance, can help. It’s also a great way to share experiences, learn from each other, and find out more about current opportunities. At UpRising, we run a regular free employment programme called Fastlaners for 18-25 year olds with a module specifically on resilience and with a focus on community including providing opportunities to network with peers and professionals from across all sectors. Finally, take some time to reflect on the process you’ve just been through, but don’t dwell on it too long, be objective, then start preparing for the next opportunity.
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Daiva Adey Senior Business Manager, Hays Recruitment Ltd With 14 years in recruitment my job’s to work with organisations to find talent and support their work through hiring the best people. I help people learn and develop new skills when on the job. I also introduce candidates to my network of business contacts to advise and help them negotiate the job market and make future career decisions.
What are recruiter’s really looking for in candidates? In an ideal world recruiters want the candidate who’s got all the attributes and experience the job requires. But that’s a very rare find. It’s always important to make great first impressions and sell yourself as employable. In my book I’d say honesty and reliability are the most important things. You represent me professionally when I arrange an interview for you. So, I’d expect my candidate to always be professional, prepared and leave the best impression. My job is to steer the client to see what I see in that candidate – so if they don’t turn up for an interview I’ve arranged, turn up late or don’t take on board advice then it’s difficult to continue being enthusiastic about the person when they’ve left a bad taste.
What do recruiters look for in a good CV or application form? The reality of recruitment these days is that recruiters get tens if not hundreds of applications for the jobs they advertise so you need to jump out of the page. You can do this on your job application by matching your skills and experience and promoting you’re good at what you do. Write your application clearly. Be specific, spell check and know your CV well. That means you shouldn’t apply for an office role with a CV or cover letter saying that you’re looking to get in to retail as this is shoddy. I scan applications quickly for stand out key-words that match the Job Description and promote the skills and experience I’m seeking. This will make me want to spend the time to interview you and find out more in making my hiring decisions. So, highlight your relevant experience to the job and industry at the top of your application to capture my attention and use bullet points to make key words stand out. If you’re going for a sales job I’m looking to see if you’ve won sales awards or are a top seller with some figures as examples. Be truthful in your application though as you’ll be quickly found out by an interviewer if you’ve made something up.
What makes a candidate stand out to a recruiter in general? Most people like to see enthusiasm shining from their potential hires and a well-rounded person who’s excited about working for their company. It’s invaluable for candidates to show they can communicate, are adaptable, accountable and able to deliver and work well with others. As a candidate you can do this through putting yourself across as a positive professional through the way you answer questions. Most application processes look at transferable skills; we all know how important team work, meeting targets and deadlines and problem solving is but I look for the real-life work or study examples to give me the confidence that my candidate will behave in the right way when working for my client. Being reserved in answers or not drawing on previous experience will create a negative impression. With very few exceptions, people want to hire people they think they will get on with on a personal level. If the interview feels like pulling teeth that just might make you stand out for the wrong reasons. 27
In your experience what are some of the common mistakes candidates make when job hunting? Sending the same generic CV to lots of jobs hoping something sticks isn’t going to get you far. If you’re applying to 100’s of jobs for the sake of it but have no tangible experience it won’t produce good results. But, candidates who might be suitable for some of the roles will miss out or sell themselves short in not tailoring their application. It comes across as laziness or just that a candidate doesn’t care enough. That isn’t a desirable hire for anyone. If you truly believe you can do the job and you’ve got skills or experience follow up if you haven’t heard anything. A bit of persistence and initiative goes a long way and will show you’re keen.
How should candidates handle a video interview? Find a quiet, private, well-lit place, free from possible interruptions and make sure your mobile phone is on silent. Check your background is ok and check things like there’s no ironing piled up. Leave plenty of time so you don’t log in late. Make sure your internet connection is stable and the video is working beforehand. Check for technical issues so your potential employer isn’t sitting there waiting for you to work out your microphone. Dress professionally, have a pen, notepad and copy of your CV on your desk. Be conscious of your facial expressions and nod or smile when appropriate.
What top tips do you have for candidates when they get invited to an interview? Research has shown that an interviewer forms their opinions in the first eight seconds of meeting a candidate. The remainder of the interview is either spent confirming this opinion or turning it around. First impressions count! Strike up small talk, remember your manners and smile - even in reception as the interviewer will often ask other people you meet what they thought of you Think about how you come across to the interviewer and try out your interview technique and answering questions in front of a mirror or with family and friends. Read up on the STAR technique and practice, practice, practice. Show confidence and a genuine interest in the job and the company to show you’re serious about the opportunity. I’d always tell my candidates to gather information about the company and think how you can relate your experience to the job. Have questions prepared around things like training and what you can expect in the first few months of the role rather than asking about break times and holidays.
When a candidate has interviewed really well what did they do? They’ve researched the company, shown up for their interview on time and looked smart. It’s all in the small details; confidence, manners, positive body language and the ability to handle conversations will always be something that future employers will look for. A big plus point for a candidate who interviews well is they’re easy to talk to. It shows me they’d fit well into the company and could work with lots of different people in a human way and do the job well. Candidates who interview well show confidence in their abilities and can discard any doubts I might have through giving clear answers that stick to the question rather than go off topic. They also ask sensible questions that clearly show a genuine interest in the position and company rather than just what’s in it for them.
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What’s the best way for someone to explain gaps on their CV, or that they’ve been a job hopper and want to be taken seriously by a recruiter in an interview? If there’s lots of gaps or short term jobs you need to think about a truthful explanation because you will be asked. Whatever it was focus on what you gained from an experience and sound confident. Perhaps you worked in temporary roles due to your personal circumstances such as looking after somebody or for a better work-life balance. Perhaps you took time out of work due to health issues, family or caring responsibilities, travelling or studying. Emphasise skills you gained during these times and talk about how it adds value to what you can offer. Use this experience to show you’re adaptable and have learnt lots about working with a variety of companies or people. Explain how you’ve shown you can pick things up quickly, manage your time well and can adapt your communication style to various environments. Even if you were let go never bad-mouth a previous employer. Not every job is suitable for everyone and it can take courage and confidence to recognise this and make more wappropriate choices.
How do your best candidates present themselves? It’s extremely important to talk, look, act and dress professionally as you won’t have a second chance. The interviewer wants to give you a job as interviewing is time-consuming so give them good reasons to want to hire you. Err on the side of dressing up rather than down. Wear a business suit or smart-casual dress if going for something less formal. Feel free to ask the dress code if you can but no trainers, t-shirts with offensive slogans, leather trousers or jeans or anything too revealing. Clean shoes and nails, minimal makeup and well-groomed hair are also important Stale cigarette smoke smells are a big no-no as well as bad BO or overpowering perfume or aftershave. A firm handshake (no limp hand!) with a positive smile will also do wonders when you first meet your interviewer. Think positive body language and confidence without arrogance and don’t leave your manners at the door. Maintain eye contact and show interest in the specific job. The interviewer doesn’t want to hear that you’re looking for “any job” and it shouldn’t be because its 5 minutes from home or its well-paid.
What’s the benefits for a candidate to sign up for a recruitment consultant’s service? Your recruiter can be your best friend in navigating the world of work. It gives you a chance to spread your search and be put forward for roles that normally wouldn’t be advertised - especially if they’re temporary. The recruitment consultant is also a buffer – you can get much more information about the company and what they’re looking for as a consultant will have a relationship with the hiring manager. Build a relationship with your consultant and they’ll provide you with constructive and honest feedback from clients when you interview well and when you could do better. They can help you with interview preparation, they might know what type of questions will be asked and what the client wants. Your consultant will also give you constructive CV advice and push you forward by directly talking to their client about you. Your consultant wants you to get that job almost as much as you do. They can also ask questions that you might feel uncomfortable asking yourself and negotiate on your behalf when it comes to salary or benefits. 29
If you’re looking for temporary roles a recruitment consultant can offer you a variety of jobs maybe you hadn’t thought about which could lead to exciting opportunities and open doors. You can gain experience and also secure income whilst you are looking of way to get into your chosen industry.
How can candidates best handle rejection or things not working out well? Try not to take it personally as not everyone who was interviewed will get the job. You might have not made the cut but that’s not necessary because you were bad at interview. There might have been somebody who had more direct experience, scored a bit higher or just came across a bit better that day. If you can get feedback and address it you can always improve on your technique next time. Whilst it feels like a rejection you did well to get an interview in the first place so it’s not all bad. We’ve all been there so don’t give up and let your disappointment overshadow your next interview. It may take time but keep on top of things. Keep your CV updated and make sure it’s relevant to the jobs you’re applying for. Build up your resilience and just keep going when you have knock backs. Sign up with a couple of agencies too (they shouldn’t charge you at all) and be very clear what you want and be open to receiving feedback. If you’ve been out of work volunteer, refresh your skills with a course or do some temporary work. Always be interview ready with your clothes and keep practising your interview technique to keep your confidence level high.
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Rebecca Dabill Volunteer Development Manager,Tenovus Cancer Care My job’s to champion volunteering at Tenovus Cancer Care. I provide leadership, vision and direction for volunteering activity through our volunteer strategy. I make sure that that volunteer activity supports the charity to meet its aims and objectives.
Why should I think about volunteering? Volunteering has so many benefits for anyone and everyone. You can build on your existing skills, develop new ones and it looks great on your CV. Volunteering is also a great way to work in a team or make friends, experience something new and make a real difference to a cause and your local community. It’s also a lot of fun!
I don’t know where to begin. How can I get into volunteering? Have a think about what types of things you want to do as a volunteer. Maybe there’s a particular cause you’re passionate about or something local to you that looks interesting? Start by looking at charity websites; for example we’ve a dedicated page at Tenovus Cancer Care listing our volunteer roles and other organisations will too. Even if there isn’t something you see for you but you want to get involved we’d love you to get in touch with us. There’s also lots of volunteering centres across the UK that provide support and expertise about volunteering. Get in touch with them, even if you’ve no idea what you want to do, they’ll be able to help and will be grateful you’ve got in touch!
I’d like to volunteer but I don’t have much time to fit it in around my studies and family commitments. Volunteering is really flexible so it can be fitted in around your lifestyle. Whether it’s half an hour or a day you can give, there are roles for you where you can make a difference. Some people do micro-volunteering if they’re really squeezed for time and other people vary their volunteering week to week around what’s happening in their lives.
What do Tenovus Cancer Care volunteers do? There’s so many different roles our volunteers do and skills and experience they bring to us that there’s really something for everyone. And, we’re always keen to hear about new ways people can get involved in volunteering with us. You’ll typically see our volunteers selling donated goods in our shops and online, at our fundraising events, helping in the office, volunteering in our research activities and supporting our services.
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I don’t know if I’ve got much to offer as a volunteer We think that everyone has something to offer as a volunteer with us and we’ll help you find out what that is. Volunteering is about building confidence in the right role for you to achieve in. We want to set your mind at ease that we prefer to look at what our volunteers can do positively. We’re here for our volunteers to work that out and support them to build on their abilities and thrive. Have a chat to us and we can help you pick the right volunteer opportunity for you. Our volunteers come from all walks of life and all bring something unique and valuable. We work with other companies helping their employees to volunteer through their work, students in education, those with disabilities and people of various ages so don’t discriminate. We see that everyone has something to add to our Tenovus Cancer Care family and we’ve fab volunteers. So, we’d love to hear from you if you’re interested in volunteering with us!
How can volunteering help me in getting a job? Volunteering’s a great way to gain new skills and confidence while building on those skills you’ve already got. You may want to go into a certain sector but don’t have the experience on your CV. You may want to build your skills to increase your confidence and be involved in something good. Volunteering can help you do this! It can really help you in the job market as it demonstrates your attitude and what you can bring to an organisation when applying for work. It shows potential employers that you’ve a strong sense of social responsibility, are adaptable and a team player plus it gives you the flexibility to test out different roles to see if you like them. Volunteering is also an opportunity to increase your network of professional contacts and experience and open doors. It can only make your CV stand out and help get you a step ahead in the job application process plus you may hear about vacancies at your organisation first.
What if I don’t like my volunteer role or its not working out for me? The beauty of volunteering is that you can try lots of different things. If the volunteer role isn’t right for you, speak to your supervisor, and then try out another role!
You can find out more about volunteering at Tenovus Cancer care by getting in touch with us: volunteer@tenovuscancercare.org.uk or visiting our website tenovuscancercare.org.uk
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Student Placement Chloe, an Events Management student form the University of South Wales completed a 10 week student placement with our Income Generation team to learn more about fundraising and managing events. Why did you want to get involved with Tenovus Cancer Care’s student placement programme? I got involved through my university as I wanted to improve my employability skills and develop my knowledge of the events industry. I got involved with Tenovus Cancer Care to gain an insight into the charity sector and found out more about the amazing work done to support cancer patients and their loved ones. I also chose to do my placement there because of the supportive and friendly atmosphere.
What did you enjoy most when you volunteered in your student placement? I enjoyed working with a great team! It was good to get involved with a variety of tasks and learn processes, systems and the daily tasks involved with organising events.
If another student asked you if they should choose an internship with Tenovus Cancer Care, what would you say to them? I’d tell them to go for it! It has been really beneficial to me as I have been given opportunities to develop my skills and knowledge. I feel that my experience will help my studies. And I enjoyed it that much that I’ve continued to volunteer with them after my internship ended to gain even more experience.
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Cancer and work Work can be really important for those affected by cancer and give people a sense of normality, build confidence and financial stability. According to a 2012 IOSH report up to 84% of people who had cancer return to the workplace and almost half changed their jobs. As 50% of people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point it’s really important to recognise that people affected by cancer make up a decent portion of the workforce. It’s also important to know that people who’ve had a cancer diagnosis are protected from discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. But, if you’re someone who’s had a cancer diagnosis you may have concerns, worries and questions going round your mind about cancer and work. You may be going back to your job after some time away for treatment and recovery, recently diagnosed and in work, want or need to work during treatment or be looking for new work altogether. Keep in mind that everyone’s cancer ‘journey’, treatment and the way they feel about it all is unique to them. There may be some useful things here but it’s always good to talk to those around you; your family, friends, your medical team, cancer charities and support groups and your Line Manager and HR department. All these people can give you help, advice and support when thinking about cancer and work.
Trying something new You may feel differently about work when affected by cancer for all sorts of reasons. Some people may decide they want to change jobs or work somewhere new or do a completely different type of job. This may be because of health reasons or a shift in thinking about work and what you want to do. You may have always wanted to start up your own business and follow a dream. Your old job might just not be right for you anymore and you want to transfer your skills and experience elsewhere. You may not have had the time or inclination to volunteer before but do now. Some of these things may also get you thinking about a difficult conversation around your cancer with people you don’t know and the best way to go about this so you’re not overlooked. You may be asked to explain a CV gap at an interview. A way of handling this could be along the lines of you had a period of illness but you’re feeling well now and look forward to the challenge of a new role. Remember interviews should fairly focus on your skills and experience in relation to the job rather than for you to feel obliged to discuss your illness in depth. Focus on what you can do and will bring to the role and organisation positively. Also be prepared to discuss any reasonable adjustments in more detail that you may need.
The emotional side of dealing with cancer and work You’ll likely experience emotional and physical changes during your cancer journey that make dealing with work challenging. You may feel daunted in taking those first steps back into work after time away. You may feel conscious about physical changes and worry about people treating you differently or what they may say. If you feel sensitive about it boost your confidence with some set phrases to negotiate those first encounters with colleagues you haven’t seen for a while or when they know you’re unwell. People like to talk about themselves so you could thank them for asking after you and divert the conversation onto them to ask how their family are doing or how their holidays went. 35
It may help you to meet your Line Manager away from work to talk about return to work options beforehand and how you feel about going back or how they can help you as you got through your treatment while working. Why not ask about setting up a Mental Wellness Action Plan together as a supportive tool. Perhaps you could suggest meeting your team for an informal lunch or coffee off-site or have a virtual team social before you come back to work. You may benefit from someone meeting you on your first day back to walk into work together or popping in briefly beforehand. Speak to your employer about access to any support schemes or Employee Assistance Programmes they may have such as Occupational Health, Mental Wellness Helpers or if there’s a colleague you could buddy up with. There may even be a colleague who’s been in your shoes before that you could get lunch with sometimes. If you can’t speak to your Line Manager get in touch with your HR department and seek out solutions together to ease you back into the work environment.
Cancer and Work You’ll probably find changes in your physical and mental health because of your cancer treatment that impact on things at work. You may be prepared for the tiredness and fatigue, the brain fog and generally not being able to do quite so much as you’d like. You might also be conscious you’ll need to have time off for medical appointments and worry about this when it comes to work. The best way to approach this is with honesty and to talk about how it may have an impact at work for you. This could be with your Line Manager and your HR department. It could also be with the help of an Occupational Health practitioner or your doctor. This is the start of putting a support plan in place with you so you can get on with your job in the best and safest way possible. It’s your employer’s job to make sure that you’re safe and well at work but they can’t do this properly if you’re not open with them. If you’ve got mobility issues for example you may need a plan if there’s an emergency evacuation. The conversations around what you can do and what adjustments are required to help you should be captured in a risk assessment document and reviewed regularly. Your cancer diagnosis means that you’re protected from Disability Discrimination under the Equality Act. It also means that your employer should discuss positively what you’re able to do in your role and also what other reasonable adjustments they could put in place with you for support. You should be allowed time off to attend medical appointments and complete a workstation assessment to make sure your desk or work equipment suit your needs. You also need to sensibly decide if you’re too unwell to work and get advice and help from your medical team and produce Fit Notes for work when needed. Things you could discuss to help you at work may be to adjust your working hours to part time or alter shift patterns and consider flexible working options on a temporary or permanent basis. You could ask about your sickness pay entitlements and options of using holidays to support a phased return to work to reduce financial worries as well. You may need a bit of patience and time to adapt things at work too and having the support of your colleagues and Line Manager will make all the difference. Think about a designated workstation if your office hot desks or sit near to the toilets or request a blue badge space if necessary as well as vary your tasks to when you function best in the day or have any performance targets adjusted. There really isn’t a one size fits all with cancer and work but it requires an application of common sense and reasonableness. The important things are to know your entitlements when it comes to the world of work. It’s to proactively engage with your employer and take responsibility for your health and wellbeing at work. It’s about being brave and having courage to ask for help and support and work from the right people at the right times to get the best outcomes all round. 36